Two Communities – One in St. Andrew and the other in St. Catherine- have been placed under an extended curfew after recording alarming COVID-19 figures. The communities will undergo a mandatory two week quarantine period and movement will be restricted for non-essential workers. The announcements were made during yesterday’s sitting of Parliament.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the communities of Whitfield Town in St. Andrew and Waterford in Portmore, St Catherine have recorded an increase in COVID-19 cases. Both communities now have more than 20 active cases.
He says in an effort to control the spread of the virus, there will be restriction of movements in these communities for two weeks as of October 6.
Additionally, he says the current curfew hours of 8 pm to 5 am daily will remain in effect. However, the hours will be reduced for the upcoming Heroes Day Holiday on October 19.
After which the curfew will be extended to 9 pm to 5 am daily.
The Prime Minister says the country needs to balance the health of the people and the economy, and productivity must continue.
Cabinet has also decided to accept rapid tests in addition to the gold standard pcr test as part of the protocols for tourists coming to the island.
CVM LIVE’s Jamaila Maitland:
